Vehicle lamp system, vehicle lamp control device and vehicle lamp control method

Abstract

Vehicle lamp system, vehicle lamp control device and vehicle lamp control method The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp system (1) comprising an imaging unit (12) which takes images of the front of a vehicle to generate image information, an imaging control unit (52) which controls the imaging unit (12) to perform an image information generation operation over a first time period and an image information generation operation over a second time period, a luminance analysis unit (14) which detects the luminance of individual regions in front of the vehicle, an illuminance setting unit (42) which determines a light distribution pattern.For an individual region (R) whose luminance is in a high luminance range, the illuminance setting unit (42) sets an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern, and for an individual region (R) whose luminance is in a low luminance range, it sets an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of invention: Vehicle lamp system, vehicle lamp control device and vehicle lamp control method

[0001] References to related applications The present application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2019-011641, filed on January 25, 2019. Technical field

[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle lamp system, a vehicle lamp control device and a vehicle lamp control method, and particularly relate to a vehicle lamp system, a vehicle lamp control device and a vehicle lamp control method which are used in an automobile or the like. Prior art

[0003] An adaptive driving beam (ADB) control has been proposed that dynamically and adaptively controls a light distribution pattern of a high beam based on conditions around a vehicle. The ADB control includes detecting by a camera the presence or absence of a target to be avoided from being irradiated by high luminance light, i.e., an attenuation target located in front of a vehicle, and attenuating or extinguishing the light to be irradiated toward a region corresponding to the attenuation target (see, for example, JP-A-2015-064964).

[0004] Examples of the attenuation target include a front vehicle, such as a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle. Glare to a driver of the front vehicle may be reduced by attenuating or turning off light to be radiated toward a region corresponding to the front vehicle. Other examples of the attenuation target include a reflective object having a high reflectance, such as a visual line guide (a delineator), a traffic sign, or a roadside road sign. Glare to a driver of the vehicle due to light reflected from such a reflective object may be reduced by attenuating light to be radiated toward a region corresponding to the reflective object.

[0005] When a reflective object is irradiated with light, the reflective object becomes a high-luminance body in the image information of a camera. Therefore, in a light distribution pattern determined on the basis of the image information, the illuminance of a region corresponding to the reflective object is reduced. When the light distribution pattern is formed, since the reflective object is not a self-luminous body, the reflective object becomes a low-luminance body in the image information obtained under such a light distribution pattern. Therefore, in the light distribution pattern determined on the basis of this image information, the illuminance of the region corresponding to the reflective object is increased. That is, the reflective object periodically switches from a state of radiating (reflecting) light toward the vehicle to a state of not radiating light toward the vehicle. If this switching is rapid, a driver of the vehicle visually recognizes the reflective object at the brightness obtained by averaging the brightness when a luminance is high and the brightness when the luminance is low.

[0006] In recent years, as the luminance of vehicle lamps increases, the intensity of a light reflected by a reflective object tends to increase. Therefore, measures against the reduction of the driver's visibility due to the glare caused by the reflective object are all the more desired. However, in the ADB control of the state of the art, the brightness of the reflective object visually recognized by the driver is constant and cannot be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the vehicle driver in the ADB control of the state of the art.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one aspect of the present invention provides a technique for improving driver visibility. Statement of the invention

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp system is provided. A vehicle lamp system comprises: an imaging unit configured to take an image in front of a vehicle to generate image information; an imaging control unit configured to control the imaging unit so as to perform a combination of a first operation of generating image information over a first time period, and a second operation of generating image information over a second time period having a duration different from the first time period; a luminance analysis unit configured to detect a luminance of each of a plurality of individual regions arranged in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit;an illuminance setting unit configured to determine an illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region on the basis of a detection result of the luminance analyzing unit so as to determine a distribution pattern of; light to be formed, the illuminance setting unit being configured to: for an individual region whose luminance is within a predetermined high luminance range, set an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; and for an individual region whose luminance is within a predetermined low luminance range, set an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; a light source unit configured to independently adjust an illuminance of the light to be radiated to each of the plurality of individual regions; and a light source control unit configured to control the light source unit so as to form the light distribution pattern. According to this embodiment, the visibility of a driver can be improved.

[0009] In the above, the imaging control unit may be configured to control the imaging unit to alternately repeat the first operation and the second operation. In the above, the luminance analysis unit may be configured to binarize the luminance in each of the plurality of individual regions, and the illuminance setting unit may be configured to set a first illuminance value for an individual region having a relatively high luminance and to set a second illuminance value higher than the first illuminance value for an individual region having a relatively low luminance.In the above, the light source control unit may be configured to control the light source unit so as to form a reference light distribution pattern independent of the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit at a predetermined time, the second time period may be longer than the first time period, and the imaging control unit may be configured to control the imaging unit to perform the first operation during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern.In the above, the light source control unit may be configured to control the light source unit so as to form a reference light distribution pattern independent of the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit at a predetermined time, the second time period may be longer than the first time period, and the imaging control unit may be configured to control the imaging unit to perform the second operation during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern. Furthermore, in the above, the vehicle lamp system may further comprise: a target analysis unit configured to detect a predetermined target in front of the vehicle on the basis of the information obtained from the imaging unit; and a tracking unit. configured to detect a displacement of the predetermined target detected by the target analysis unit based on the detection result of the luminance analysis unit. The illuminance setting unit may be configured to determine a specific illuminance value for a specific individual region determined according to a position of the target based on a detection result of the tracking unit.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp control device is provided. The vehicle lamp control device comprises: an imaging control unit configured to control an imaging unit that is configured to take an image in front of a vehicle to generate image information, so as to perform a combination of a first operation of generating image information over a first time period, and a second operation of generating image information over a second time period having a duration different from the first time period; a luminance analysis unit configured to detect a luminance of each of a plurality of individual regions arranged in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit;an illuminance setting unit configured to determine an illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region on the basis of a detection result of the luminance analyzing unit so as to determine a light distribution pattern to be formed, the illuminance setting unit being configured to: for an individual region whose luminance is in a predetermined high luminance range, set an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; and for an individual region whose luminance is in a predetermined low luminance range, set an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern;and a light source control unit configured to control a light source unit that is configured to independently adjust an illuminance of the light to be radiated to each of the plurality of individual regions, so as to form the light distribution pattern.;

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lamp control method is provided. The vehicle lamp control method comprises the steps of: controlling an imaging unit configured to take an image in front of a vehicle to generate image information, so as to perform a combination of a first operation of generating image information over a first time period and a second operation of generating image information over a second time period having a duration different from the first period; detecting luminance of each of a plurality of individual regions arranged in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit; determining an illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region on the basis of the detected luminance so as to determine a light distribution pattern to be formed, the determining comprising: for an individual region whose luminance is in a predetermined high luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; and for an individual region whose luminance is in a predetermined low luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern;and controlling a light source unit configured to independently adjust an illuminance of the light to be radiated to each of the plurality of individual regions, so as to form the light distribution pattern.;

[0012] Any combination of the constituent elements described above, and implementations of the present invention in the form of methods, devices, systems and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the driver's visibility can be improved.

[0014] The invention will be better understood and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the detailed description which follows. The description refers to the drawings indicated below and which are given as examples. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lamp system according to one embodiment.

[0016] [Fig.2A-2B] Fig. 2A is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a light deflecting device, and Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line AA of the light deflecting device shown in Fig. 2A.

[0017] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view schematically showing a condition in front of a vehicle.

[0018] [Fig.4A-4B] Fig. 4A is a diagram showing the brightness of a reflected object scaling under ADB control according to a reference example, and Fig. 4B is a diagram showing the brightness of a reflective object under ADB control according to the embodiment.

[0019] [Fig.5A-5B] Figs. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing an example of the ADB control performed in the vehicle lamp system according to the embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is not intended to limit the present invention and is merely exemplary, and any feature and combination thereof described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the present invention. The same components, organs, and processes or equivalent components, organs, and processes shown in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted. The scale and shape of each piece shown in each of the drawings are defined to simplify the description and should not be construed as limitations, unless otherwise indicated.When terms "first", "second" and the like are used in this disclosure, these terms are not intended to represent any order or importance and are merely intended to distinguish one configuration from another, unless otherwise indicated. Some of the members which are not necessary for the description of the embodiment in the drawings are omitted.

[0021] [Fig. 1] is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle lamp system according to one embodiment. In [Fig. 1], certain components of a vehicle lamp system 1 are illustrated as functional blocks. These functional blocks may be implemented by elements and circuits including a central processing unit CPU and a computer memory as a hardware configuration, and may be implemented by a computer program or the like as a software configuration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these functional blocks may be implemented in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

[0022] The vehicle lamp system 1 is applied to a vehicle headlamp device including a pair of headlamp units disposed on the left and right sides in front of a vehicle. Since the units of the pair of headlamp units have substantially the same configuration except that the pair of front lamps has a bilaterally symmetric structure, [Fig. 1] shows the structure of one headlamp unit as vehicle lamp 2.

[0023] The vehicle lamp 2 of the vehicle lamp system 1 comprises a lamp body 4 having an opening on a front side of the vehicle, and a light-transmitting cover 6 provided to cover the opening of the lamp body 4. The light-transmitting cover 6 is formed of light-transmitting resin or glass, or the like. A light source unit 10, an imaging unit 12, and a control device 50 are accommodated in a lamp chamber 8 formed by the lamp body 4 and the light-transmitting cover 6.

[0024] The light source unit 10 is a device capable of independently adjusting an illuminance (intensity) of light to be radiated to each of a plurality of individual regions (see [Fig. 3]) arranged in front of a vehicle. The light source unit 10 comprises a light source 22, a reflection optical member 24, a light deflecting device 26 and a projection optical member 28. Each part is attached to the lamp body 4 by a support mechanism (not shown).

[0025] The light source 22 may be a semiconductor light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD) and / or an electroluminescent element (EL), or it may be a light bulb, an incandescent lamp (a halogen lamp), a discharge lamp or the like.

[0026] The reflection optical member 24 is configured to guide light emitted from the light source 22 to a reflective surface of the light deflecting device 26. The reflection optical member 24 comprises a reflective mirror having an inner surface that is a predetermined reflective surface. The reflection optical member 24 may be a solid light guide or the like. If the light emitted from the light source 22 can be guided directly to the light deflecting device 26, the reflection optical member 24 cannot be provided.

[0027] The light deflecting device 26 is disposed on an optical axis of the projection optical member 28 and is configured to selectively reflect light emitted from the light source 22 toward the projection optical member 28. The light deflecting device 26 is, for example, a digital mirror device (DMD). That is, the light deflecting device 26 comprises a plurality of micro-mirrors arranged in an array (a matrix). A reflection direction of the light emitted from the light source 22 can be selectively changed by respectively controlling reflective surface angles of the plurality of micro-mirrors.That is, the light deflecting device 26 may reflect a portion of the light emitted from the light source 22 toward the projection optical member 28 and reflect another portion of the light in a direction in which the light is not effectively utilized by the projection optical member 28. Here, the direction in which the light is not effectively utilized may be considered, for example, a direction in which the light is incident on the projection optical member 28 but hardly contributes to the formation of a light distribution pattern, or a direction toward a light-absorbing member (a light-shielding member) (not shown).

[0028] Fig. 2A is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the light deflection device 26. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the light deflection device shown in Fig. 2A. The light deflection device 26 includes a micromirror array 32 in which a plurality of micromirror elements 30 are arranged in a matrix, and a transparent cover member 34 disposed on a front side of a reflective surface 30a of each mirror element 30 (on the right side of the light deflection device 26 shown in Fig. 2B). The cover member 34 is formed, for example, of glass or plastic.

[0029] The mirror element 30 has a substantially square shape and has a rotation shaft 30b that extends in a horizontal direction and that substantially equally divides the mirror element 30. Each mirror element 30 of the micro-mirror array 32 is configured to be switchable between a first reflection position (a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2B) and a second reflection position (a position indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 2B). At the first reflection position, light emitted from the light source 22 is reflected toward the projection optical member 28 so as to be used as a part of a desired light distribution pattern. At the second reflection position, the light emitted from the light source 22 is reflected in such a manner that it is not effectively used.Each mirror element 30 rotates around the rotation shaft 30b and is individually switched between the first reflection position and the second reflection position. Each mirror element 30 assumes the first reflection position when turned on and assumes the second reflection position when turned off.

[0030] [Fig. 3] is a view schematically showing a state in front of the vehicle. As described above, the light source unit 10 has the plurality of mirror elements 30 as individual radiation units capable of radiating light toward a front side of the lamp independently of each other. The light source unit 10 can radiate light toward a plurality of individual regions R arranged in front of the vehicle by the mirror elements 30. Each individual region R corresponds to one pixel or a set of a plurality of pixels of the imaging unit 12, more precisely, for example, one pixel or a set of a plurality of pixels of a high-speed camera 36. In the present embodiment, each individual region R and each mirror element 30 are associated with each other.

[0031] In Figs. 2A and 2B, for convenience, the mirror elements 30 and the individual regions R are arranged in an array of 10 horizontal elements by 8 vertical elements, but the numbers of the mirror elements 30 and the individual regions R are not particularly limited thereto. For example, a resolution of the micro-mirror array 32 (i.e., the numbers of the mirror elements 30 and the individual regions R) may range from 1000 pixels to 300000 pixels. The time required for the light source unit 10 to form a light distribution pattern is, for example, from 0.1 ms to 5 ms. That is, the light source unit 10 may change the light distribution pattern every 0.1 ms to 5 ms.

[0032] As shown in [Fig.l], the projection optical member 28 is formed, for example, of a curved free-surface lens of which a front side surface and a rear side surface have a curved free-surface shape. The projection optical member 28 projects a light source image, which is formed on a rear focal plane having a rear focal point thereof, to the front of the lamp as an inverted image. The projection optical member 28 is arranged such that the rear focal point thereof is located on an optical axis of the vehicle lamp 2 and near a reflective surface of the micro-mirror array 32. The projection optical member 28 may be a reflector.

[0033] The light emitted from the light source 22 is reflected by the reflection optical member 24 to be radiated toward the micro-mirror array 32 of the light deflecting device 26. The light deflecting device 26 reflects the light toward the projection optical member 28 by a predetermined mirror element 30 at the first reflection position. The reflected light passes through the projection optical member 28 and propagates toward the front of the lamp to be radiated toward each individual region R corresponding to each mirror element 30. As a result, the light distribution pattern having a predetermined shape is formed at the front of the lamp.

[0034] The imaging unit 12 takes an image in front of the vehicle to generate the image information. The imaging unit 12 includes the high-speed camera 36 and a low-speed camera 38. The high-speed camera 36 has a relatively high frame rate, for example, from 200 fps (frames per second) to 10,000 fps (0.1 ms to 5 ms per frame). On the other hand, the low-speed camera 38 has a relatively low frame rate, for example, from 30 fps to 120 fps (approximately 8 ms to 33 ms per frame). The high-speed camera 36 has a relatively small resolution, for example, 300,000 pixels or more and smaller than 5,000,000 pixels. On the other hand, the low-speed camera 38 has a relatively high resolution, for example, 5,000,000 pixels or more. The high-speed camera 36 and the low-speed camera 38 take images of all the individual regions R.The resolution of the high-speed camera 36 and the low-speed camera 38 is not limited to the numerical values ​​described above and can be set to any value within a technically suitable range.

[0035] The control device 50 comprises an imaging control unit 52, a luminance analysis unit 14, a target analysis unit 16, a lamp control unit 18 and a light source control unit 20. Each unit operates by executing a program stored in a memory by an integrated circuit. A basic operation of each unit of the control device 50 will be described below.

[0036] The imaging control unit 52 controls an operation of the imaging unit 12. For example, the imaging control unit 52 transmits a signal for instructing generation of the image information (hereinafter referred to as an instruction signal) to the imaging unit 12 while measuring a passage of time using a timer (not shown). In the present embodiment, the imaging control unit 52 controls generation of the image information by the high-speed camera 36. The low-speed camera 38 repeats generation of the image information at a predetermined frame rate without regard to transmission and reception of the instruction signal from the imaging control unit 52.The imaging control unit 52 transmits to the light source control unit 20 a synchronization signal for synchronizing the generation of the image information by the imaging unit 12, and the control of the light source unit 10 by the light source control unit 20.

[0037] The image information generated by the imaging unit 12 is sent to the luminance analysis unit 14 and the target analysis unit 16. The luminance analysis unit 14 detects the luminance of each individual region R on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit 12. The luminance analysis unit 14 is a high-speed, low-precision analysis unit, which performs image analyses with a lower precision than that of the target analysis unit 16, and which outputs an analysis result at high speed. The luminance analyzing unit 14 according to the present embodiment detects the luminance of each individual region R on the basis of the image information obtained from the high-speed camera 36. The luminance analyzing unit 14 detects the luminance of each individual region R each time the image information is obtained from the high-speed camera 36.The luminance analysis unit 14 can, for example, detect the luminance every 0.1 ms to 5 ms.

[0038] The luminance analysis unit 14 according to the present embodiment binarizes the luminance in each of the plurality of individual regions R (that is, expresses the luminance in the form of a binary variable). The luminance analysis unit 14 stores a predetermined luminance threshold value in a memory, converts the luminance greater than or equal to the threshold value to a predetermined high luminance value, and converts the luminance less than the threshold value to a predetermined low luminance value. As a result, the plurality of individual regions R are divided into two, that is, into individual regions R having a relatively high luminance and individual regions R having a relatively low luminance. A detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14, that is, a signal indicating luminance information of each individual region R, is transmitted to the lamp control unit 18.

[0039] The target analysis unit 16 detects a predetermined target present in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit 12. The target analysis unit 16 is a low-speed, high-precision precision analysis unit, which performs image analyses with higher precision than that of the luminance analysis unit 14, and which outputs an analysis result at a low speed. The target analysis unit 16 according to the present embodiment detects the target on the basis of information obtained from the low-speed camera 38. The target analysis unit 16 may, for example, detect the target every 50 ms. The target detected by the target analysis unit 16 is for example a self-luminous body, and specific examples thereof include an oncoming vehicle 100 shown in [Fig. 3], a preceding vehicle (not shown) and the like.Hereinafter, the oncoming vehicle 100 will be described as an example target, but the same processing is also performed on the preceding vehicle.

[0040] The target analysis unit 16 can detect the target using known methods including algorithm recognition, deep learning, and the like. For example, the target analysis unit 16 stores feature points indicating the oncoming vehicle 100 in advance. When imaging data of the low-speed camera 38 includes data including the feature points indicating the oncoming vehicle 100, the target analysis unit 16 recognizes a position of the oncoming vehicle 100. The “feature points indicating the oncoming vehicle 100” are, for example, light spots 102 (see [Fig. 3]) having a predetermined light intensity or a higher light intensity, which appears in a region of estimated presence of headlights of the oncoming vehicle 100.A detection result of the target analysis unit 16, i.e., a signal indicating target information in front of the vehicle, is transmitted to the lamp control unit 18.

[0041] The lamp control unit 18 performs displacement detection on the target, by setting a specific individual region RI, setting an illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region R and the like, on the basis of the detection results of the luminance analysis unit 14 and / or the target analysis unit 16. As an example, the lamp control unit 18 has a tracking unit 40 and an illuminance setting unit 42. The tracking unit 40 detects displacement of the predetermined target detected by the target analysis unit 16 on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14.

[0042] More specifically, the tracking unit 40 integrates the detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14 and the detection result of the target analysis unit 16 before the binarization processing is executed. Among the luminances of the individual regions R detected by the luminance analysis unit 14, the luminance of the individual region R, where the light spot 102 of the oncoming vehicle 100 is located as a target, is associated with the oncoming vehicle 100. The tracking unit 40 can detect the movement of the oncoming vehicle 100 as a target by recognizing a position of the luminance associated with the oncoming vehicle 100 in the detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14 obtained thereafter. The tracking unit 40 executes a specific target determination processing, for example every 50 ms.In addition, the tracking unit 40 performs movement detection (tracking) processing on a specific target, for example, every 0.1 ms to 5 ms.

[0043] The illuminance setting unit 42 determines the illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region R on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analyzing unit 14 and the detection result of the tracking unit 40, so as to determine a light distribution pattern to be formed. First, the illuminance setting unit 42 determines the specific individual region RI (see [Fig. 3]) according to a position where the target is present. When the target is the oncoming vehicle 100, the illuminance setting unit 42 determines the specific individual region RI on the basis of position information of the oncoming vehicle 100 included in the detection result of the tracking unit 40.

[0044] For the definition of the specific individual region RI, the illumination definition unit 42 determines for example a vertical distance b of a predetermined ratio, relative to a horizontal distance a between two light spots 102 corresponding to the headlights of the oncoming vehicle 100, and defines the individual region R overlapping a dimension range of the horizontal ax the vertical b as the specific individual region RL. The specific individual region RI comprises the individual region R covering a driver of the oncoming vehicle 100.

[0045] Then, the illuminance setting unit 42 determines the illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region R including the specific individual region RL. More specifically, among the individual regions R excluding the specific individual region RI, for an individual region R whose luminance is in a predetermined high luminance range, the illuminance setting unit 42 sets an illuminance value such that a luminance of the individual region R decreases due to the formation of a light distribution pattern, and ... individual region R whose luminance is within a predetermined low-luminance range, the illuminance setting unit 42 sets an illuminance value so that a luminance of the individual region R increases due to the formation of a light distribution pattern. The predetermined high-luminance range and the predetermined low-luminance range can be set properly based on results of experiments and simulations by taking into account the visibility of the driver of a vehicle.

[0046] The illuminance setting unit 42 according to the present embodiment sets a first illuminance value for the individual region R, having a relatively high luminance, and sets a second illuminance value higher than the first illuminance value for the individual region R, having a relatively low luminance, in the detection result (binarized luminance information) of the luminance analyzing unit 14 subjected to the binarization processing. For example, when the illuminance value has 256 attenuations from 0 to 255, the first illuminance value is "0" and the second illuminance value is "255".

[0047] The illuminance setting unit 42 may set the illuminance value for each individual region R on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14 not subjected to the binarization processing. In this case, for example, the illuminance setting unit 42 stores a predetermined target luminance value in the memory for each individual region R except the specific individual region RL. Then, the illuminance setting unit 42 sets the illuminance value for each individual region R so that the luminance detected by the luminance analysis unit 14 approaches the target luminance value due to further formation of the light distribution pattern. For example, the target luminance value for each individual region R is set to the same value. The illuminance setting unit 42 may set the target luminance value for each individual region R to be different.

[0048] The illuminance setting unit 42 determines a specific illuminance value for the specific individual region RL. When the target is the oncoming vehicle 100, the illuminance setting unit 42 sets, for example, the specific illuminance value "0" for the specific individual region RL. That is, the illuminance setting unit 42 determines a light distribution pattern that obscures the specific individual region RL. The illuminance setting unit 42 recognizes a displacement of the specific individual region RI on the basis of the detection result of the tracking unit 40, and updates the position information of the specific individual region RL. Then, the illuminance value for each individual region R, including the specific illuminance value for the specific individual region RI, is updated. The processing by the tracking unit 40 and the processing by the illumination definition unit 42 are executed at least temporarily in parallel.

[0049] The illuminance setting unit 42 transmits to the light source control unit 20 a signal indicating the illuminance value for each individual region R including the specific illuminance value for the specific individual region RI. The illuminance setting unit 42 may set the illuminance value, for example, every 0.1 ms to 5 ms.

[0050] The light source control unit 20 controls the light source unit 10 on the basis of the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit 42. The light source control unit 20 receives a synchronization signal from the imaging control unit 52 and controls the light source unit 10. The light source control unit 20 controls the turning on and off of the light source 22 and the turning on and off of the switching of each mirror element 30. The light source control unit 20 sets an ignition time ratio (a width and a density) of each mirror element 30 on the basis of the illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region R. Accordingly, the illuminance of the light to be radiated to each individual region R can be set.The light source control unit 20 may transmit an excitation signal to the light source 22 and / or the light deflecting device 26, for example every 0.1 ms to 5 ms.

[0051] Light is emitted from the light source unit 10 based on the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit 42, and therefore, the actual luminance value for each individual region R is detected by the luminance analyzing unit 14. Then, the illuminance setting unit 42 further sets the illuminance value, based on the detection result.

[0052] With the configuration described above, the vehicle lamp system 1 can form a light distribution pattern configured by gathering a plurality of partial radiation regions. Each of the plurality of partial radiation regions is formed when the corresponding mirror element 30 is turned on. The vehicle lamp system 1 can form light distribution patterns of various shapes by turning each mirror element 30 on and off.

[0053] An adaptive driving light (ADB) control performed by the vehicle lamp system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. The vehicle lamp system 1 performs the ADB control to form an optimal light distribution pattern according to the position of the target in front of the vehicle.

[0054] Under ADB control, the imaging control unit 52 controls the high-speed camera 36 of the imaging unit 12 to perform a combination of a first operation of generating image information over a first time period, and a second operation of generating image information over a second time period having a duration different from the first time period. For example, the second time period is longer than the first time period.

[0055] The imaging control unit 52 according to the present embodiment controls the high-speed camera 36 of the imaging unit 12 to alternately repeat the first operation and the second operation. For example, the imaging control unit 52 transmits a first instruction signal, after the first time period a has elapsed since the start of imaging by the high-speed camera 36. Upon receiving the first instruction signal, the high-speed camera 36 then generates the image information based on an imaging result. Accordingly, the first operation is completed.

[0056] Then, the imaging control unit 52 transmits a second instruction signal after the second time period a has elapsed since the transmission of the first instruction signal. Upon receiving the second instruction signal, the high-speed camera 36 generates the image information based on an imaging result from receiving the first instruction signal to receiving the second instruction signal. Accordingly, the second operation is completed.

[0057] Next, the imaging control unit 52 transmits a third instruction signal after the first time period a has elapsed since the transmission of the second instruction signal. Upon receiving the third instruction signal, the high-speed camera 36 generates the image information based on an imaging result from receiving the second instruction signal to receiving the third instruction signal. As a result, the first operation is completed. Thereafter, this procedure is repeated, and the first operation and the second operation are alternately repeated by the high-speed camera 36.

[0058] The light source control unit 20 controls the light source unit 10 to form a reference light distribution pattern at a predetermined time. The reference light distribution pattern is independent of the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit 42 and has substantially the same illuminance as a whole. The reference light distribution pattern is, for example, a known low beam light distribution pattern or a known high beam light distribution pattern. The imaging control unit 52 controls the high-speed camera 36 of the imaging unit 12 to perform the first operation under the formation of the distribution pattern. of reference light.

[0059] The predetermined time is, for example, a time at which ADB control for first forming a light distribution pattern begins. That is, when ADB control begins, the light source control unit 20 first controls the light source unit 10 to form the reference light distribution pattern. Furthermore, imaging by the imaging unit 12 begins. Then, the imaging control unit 52 controls the high-speed camera 36 to first perform the first operation. That is, the imaging control unit 52 transmits the first instruction signal after the first time period a has elapsed since the start of imaging. First, image information is generated by the first operation of the high-speed camera 36. Therefore, the first image information is related to a state where the reference light distribution pattern is formed.

[0060] The luminance analysis unit 14 detects the luminance of each individual region R on the basis of the first image information and binarizes the luminance of each individual region R. In the first image information, the light spot 102 of the oncoming vehicle 100 is detected as a high-luminance body. In addition, during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern, light is also applied to a reflective object having a high reflectance. Therefore, the reflective object is also detected as a high-luminance body. Hereinafter, a road sign 106 (see [Fig. 3]) present in front of the vehicle will be described as an example of a reflective object, and the same processing is also performed on other reflective objects, such as a visual line guide (a delineator) and a traffic sign.

[0061] The target analysis unit 16 detects the oncoming vehicle 100 as a predetermined target on the basis of the light spot 102 included in the image information generated by the low-speed camera 38 during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern. The tracking unit 40 integrates the detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14 and the detection result of the target analysis unit 16, and detects the movement of the oncoming vehicle 100 on the basis of the luminance of the individual region R corresponding to the light spot 102.

[0062] The illuminance setting unit 42 sets the specific individual region RI on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14 and the detection result of the tracking unit 40, and determines the illuminance value for each individual region R including the specific illuminance value for the specific individual region RL. Therefore, a first light distribution pattern to be formed is determined. In the binarized luminance information generated by the luminance analysis unit 14, the individual region R corresponding to the panel road sign 106 has the predetermined high luminance value, and other individual regions R (apart from the specific individual region RI) have the predetermined low luminance value. Therefore, in the first light distribution pattern, the first illuminance value “0” is determined for the individual region R corresponding to the road sign 106, and the second illuminance value “255” is determined for other individual regions R (apart from the specific individual region RI). The specific illuminance value “0” is determined for the specific individual region RI. Then, the light source control unit 20 controls the light source unit 10 to form the first determined light distribution pattern.

[0063] Then, the imaging control unit 52 controls the high-speed camera 36 to perform the second operation. That is, the imaging control unit 52 transmits the second instruction signal after the second time period a has elapsed since the transmission of the first instruction signal. In the vehicle lamp system 1 according to the present embodiment, the first light distribution pattern can be formed substantially simultaneously with the transmission of the first instruction signal. Therefore, the second operation is essentially performed under the formation of the first light distribution pattern, in which the illuminance value for the individual region R corresponding to the road sign 106 is set to the first illuminance value “0”.

[0064] Since the road sign 106 is not a self-luminous body, the road sign 106 does not emit (reflect) light during the formation of the first light distribution pattern. Therefore, in the second image information generated by the second operation of the high-speed camera 36, ​​the road sign 106 is detected as a low-luminance body. Therefore, in the binarized luminance information generated by the luminance analysis unit 14 on the basis of the second image information, the individual region R corresponding to the road sign 106 has the predetermined low-luminance value similar to that of other individual regions R (except the specific individual region RI).

[0065] The illuminance setting unit 42 sets the specific individual region RI on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analyzing unit 14 and the detection result of the tracking unit 40, and determines the second light distribution pattern to be formed. In the second light distribution pattern, the second illuminance value “255” is determined for the individual regions R (including the individual region R corresponding to the road sign 106) excluding the specific individual region RL. The specific illuminance value “0” is determined for the specific individual region RL. Therefore, during the forming the second light distribution pattern, the road sign 106 is irradiated with light. Then, the first operation is performed by the high-speed camera 36 during the formation of the second light distribution pattern.

[0066] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, under ADB control, after the first light distribution pattern is formed during the second time period, the second light distribution pattern is formed during the first time period. Then, the formation of the first light distribution pattern and the formation of the second light distribution pattern are alternately repeated. That is, the first light distribution pattern is formed by one of the even frames and the odd frames in the image generation of the high-speed camera 36, ​​and the second light distribution pattern is formed by the other frames.

[0067] Fig. 4A is a diagram showing the brightness of a reflective object under ADB control according to a reference example. Fig. 4B is a diagram showing the brightness of the reflective object under ADB control according to the embodiment. In Figs. 4A and 4B, the first stage from the top indicates a luminance transition of the reflective object in the image information generated by the high-speed camera 36. The numbers are examples of luminance values ​​in a case where the luminance has 256 attenuations. The second stage from the top indicates a transition of an illuminance of the individual region R corresponding to the reflective object defined by the illuminance setting unit 42. The numbers are examples of illuminance values ​​when the illuminance has 256 attenuations.In the example described here, the luminance analysis unit 14 binarizes the luminance of each individual region R using a luminance threshold value of "128".

[0068] In Figs. 4A and 4B, the third stage from the top indicates a transition of an amount of light emitted from the light source unit 10 to the individual region R corresponding to the reflective object. The amount of light is expressed as a ratio in a case where a maximum value of the amount of light that can be emitted from the light source unit 10 is 100%. The lowest stage indicates a transition of brightness of the reflective object visually recognized by the vehicle driver. The brightness of the reflective object is expressed as a ratio in a case where the brightness of the reflective object, when the amount of light emitted from the light source unit 10 is maximum, is 100%.

[0069] In Figs. 4A and 4B, a second light distribution pattern for radiating light toward the reflective object is formed from time a to time b and from time c to time d. In addition, a first light distribution pattern for obscuring the object reflecting is formed from time b to time c and from time d to time e.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 4A, under ADB control according to the reference example, the high-speed camera 36 repeatedly generates the image information at a constant frame rate. Therefore, the formation of the first light distribution pattern and the formation of the second light distribution pattern are alternately repeated at the same time period. Therefore, the radiation of light of an illuminance value "255" and the obscuration of light with respect to the reflective object are alternately repeated at the same time period. Therefore, the driver visually recognizes the reflective object at an average brightness of the reflective object when the same is irradiated with light having the illuminance value "255" and when the same is obscured, i.e., at a brightness of 50% when an output of the light source unit 10 is maximum.

[0071] In recent years, as a luminance of vehicle lamps increases, the intensity of light reflected by a reflective object tends to increase. Therefore, even if the brightness of the reflective object is suppressed to 50% at most, the driver of a vehicle may be dazzled. However, under ADB control according to the reference example, the brightness of the reflective object is fixed at 50% and cannot be adjusted.

[0072] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4B, under ADB control according to the present embodiment, a first operation of generating image information over a first time period and a second operation of generating image information over a second time period by the high-speed camera 36 are performed in a combination. Accordingly, a time period during which the reflective object is irradiated by the light having the illuminance value "255" and a time period during which the reflective object is occluded can be made different from each other. In the example shown in Fig. 4B, a time period of forming the first light distribution pattern for occluding the reflective object is three times longer (e.g., 3 ms) than a time period of forming the second light distribution pattern for radiating light toward the reflective object.Therefore, the reflective object is visually recognized at a brightness of 25% when the output of the light source unit 10 is maximum. By changing a length between the first time period when the first operation is performed and the second time period when the second operation is performed, the degree of reduction in the brightness of the visually recognized reflective object can be freely adjusted.

[0073] Figs. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing an example of the ADB control performed in the vehicle lamp system 1 according to the embodiment. For example, this flow is repeatedly executed at a pre determined when an ADB control instruction is issued by a light switch (not shown) and a contact is turned on, and ends when the ADB control instruction is canceled (when a stop instruction is issued) or the contact is turned off. A first flow shown in Fig. 5A and a second flow shown in Fig. 5B are executed in parallel.

[0074] In the first flow as shown in Fig. 5A, an image in front of the vehicle is first taken (acquired) by the low-speed camera 38 (S101). Then, the target analysis unit 16 executes target detection processing in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the low-speed camera 38 (S102). When a target is detected, the target analysis unit 16 generates information indicating a presence of the target (hereinafter referred to as target information) and stores the information in a memory, and this routine ends.

[0075] In the second flow as shown in Fig. 5B, an image in front of the vehicle is first taken (acquired) by the high-speed camera 36 (S201). Then, the imaging control unit 52 determines whether a set time period a has elapsed (S202). The set time period a is a second time period when there has been a first time period in the previous routine, and is a first time period when there has been a second time period in the previous routine. The time setting is performed by the imaging control unit 52. When the set time period a has not elapsed (N in S202), the imaging control unit 52 repeats the determination in step 202. When the set time period a has elapsed (Y in S202), an instruction signal is transmitted from the imaging control unit 52 to the high-speed camera 36 (S203).

[0076] Upon receiving the instruction signal, the high-speed camera 36 generates the image information (S204). Then, the luminance analyzing unit 14 detects the luminance of each individual region R based on the image information generated by the high-speed camera 36 (S205). Then, the tracking unit 40 determines whether the target in front of the vehicle is detected in the first run (S206). The tracking unit 40 can determine the presence or absence of the target based on the presence or absence of the target information. When the target is detected (Y in S206), the tracking unit 40 determines whether a specific individual region RI is set (S207).

[0077] When the specific individual region RI is set (Y in S207), the tracking unit 40 tracks the target and detects a position (a displacement) of the specific individual region RI (S209). In addition, the illumination setting unit 42 updates the setting (position information) of the specific individual region RI on the basis of the detection result of the tracking unit 40 (S209). When the individual region specific RI is not defined (N in S207), the illuminance setting unit 42 defines the specific individual region RI based on a position of the target (S208). Subsequently, the processing of step S209 is executed.

[0078] Next, the illuminance setting unit 42 sets an illuminance value for each individual region R (S210). The illuminance setting unit 42 sets a specific illuminance value for the specific individual region RI. Next, the light source control unit 20 controls the light source unit 10 to emit light having the illuminance value set by the illuminance setting unit 42. As a result, a light distribution pattern is formed in front of the vehicle (S211), and the present routine ends.

[0079] When the target is not detected (N in S206), the illuminance setting unit 42 sets the illuminance value for each individual region R (S210). In this case, the specific illuminance value is not included in the set illuminance value. Thereafter, the processing of step S211 is executed, and the present routine ends. In step S209, when the disappearance of the target is detected by tracking, the setting of the specific individual region RI also disappears. Therefore, the specific illuminance value is not included in the illuminance value set in step S210. In step S206 in the following routine, it is determined that the target is not detected until the target information is generated in the processing of step S102 (N in S206).

[0080] As described above, the vehicle lamp system 1 according to the present embodiment comprises the imaging unit 12, the imaging control unit 52, the luminance analyzing unit 14, the illuminance setting unit 42, the light source unit 10, and the light source control unit 20. The imaging unit 12 takes an image in front of the vehicle to generate the image information. The imaging control unit 52 controls the imaging unit 12 to perform the combination of the first operation of generating the image information over the first time period and the second operation of generating the image information over the second time period having a duration different from the first time period. The luminance analysis unit 14 detects the luminance of each of the plurality of individual regions R arranged in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit 12.The illuminance setting unit 42 determines the illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region R on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analyzing unit 14 so as to determine the light distribution pattern to be formed.

[0081] More specifically, for an individual region R whose luminance is within a predetermined high luminance range, the illuminance setting unit 42 sets an illuminance value such that a luminance of the individual region R decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern, and for an individual region R whose luminance is within a predetermined low-luminance range, the illuminance setting unit 42 sets an illuminance value such that a luminance of the individual region R increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern. The light source unit 10 is capable of independently adjusting the illuminance of the light to be radiated to each of the plurality of individual regions R. The light source control unit 20 controls the light source unit 10 to form the light distribution pattern determined by the illuminance setting unit 42.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the light source control unit 20 controls the light source unit 10 so as to form the reference light distribution pattern independent of the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit 42 at the predetermined time. The second time period is set to be longer than the first time period, and the imaging control unit 52 controls the imaging unit 12 to perform the first operation during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first light distribution pattern for obscuring the reflecting object is formed during the second relatively long time period, and the second light distribution pattern for radiating light toward the reflecting object is formed during the first relatively short time period.

[0083] Since the reflective object is not a self-luminous body, when a light distribution pattern, determined by setting a low illuminance value for the individual region R having high luminance and setting a high illuminance value for the individual region R having low luminance, is formed, light irradiation and light occultation are alternately repeated on the reflective object. Since this switching is rapid, the vehicle driver visually recognizes the reflective object at brightness obtained by averaging the brightness during light irradiation and the brightness during light occultation.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 12 combines the first operation of generating the image information over the first time period and the second operation of generating the image information over the second time period. Therefore, the first light distribution pattern for obscuring the reflective object is formed during the second time period, longer than the first time period, and the second light distribution pattern for radiating light to the reflective object is formed. during the first time period, shorter than the second time period. Therefore, the brightness of the reflective object can be reduced compared to a case where the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern are combined during the same formation time period. In addition, by setting a difference in length between the first time period and the second time period, the degree of reduction in the brightness of the reflective object visually recognized by the driver can be freely adjusted.

[0085] Accordingly, even when the light source unit 10 mounted on the vehicle lamp 2 of the vehicle forms a high luminance, the brightness of the reflective object can be further reduced by making the second time period longer than the first time period. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the glare experienced by the driver due to the light reflected from the reflective object can be reduced, and the visibility of the driver can be improved.

[0086] The imaging control unit 52 according to the present embodiment controls the imaging unit 12 to alternately repeat the first operation and the second operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the formation of the first light distribution pattern during the first period of time and the formation of the second light distribution pattern during the second period of time are alternately repeated. As a result, the degree of freedom in defining the luminance of the reflecting object can be increased while suppressing the complexity of the control.

[0087] The luminance analyzing unit 14 according to the present embodiment binarizes the luminance in each of the plurality of individual regions R. The illuminance setting unit 42 sets the first illuminance value for the individual region R having the relatively high luminance, and sets a second illuminance value higher than the first illuminance value for the individual region R having the relatively low luminance. Accordingly, ADB control can be further simplified, and a load applied to the vehicle lamp system 1 can be reduced.

[0088] The vehicle lamp system 1 according to the present embodiment comprises the target analysis unit 16 which detects the predetermined target in front of the vehicle on the basis of the information obtained from the imaging unit 12 and the tracking unit 40 which detects the movement of the predetermined target detected by the target analysis unit 16 on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analysis unit 14. The illuminance setting unit 42 determines the specific illuminance value for the specific individual region RI determined according to the position of the target on the basis of the detection result of the tracking unit 40.

[0089] Since relatively long image processing is required to detect the predetermined target, the target analysis unit 16 is inferior in analysis speed. Therefore, when ADB control is performed only on the basis of the analysis result of the target analysis unit 16, the light distribution pattern can be formed to improve the visibility of the driver of the vehicle by narrowing a light-obscuring region relative to the target, such as the oncoming vehicle 100 or the preceding vehicle. However, the light-obscuring region is less likely to accurately track the movement of the target. On the other hand, the luminance analysis unit 14 that performs simple luminance detection can perform analysis at high speed since the time period required for image processing is relatively short.However, since the accuracy of target detection is low, the position of the target is less likely to be accurately grasped. Therefore, when ADB control is performed only on the basis of the analysis result of the luminance analysis unit 14, a wider light-obscuring region of the light distribution pattern must be defined, and the visibility of the vehicle driver is sacrificed.

[0090] In contrast, in the vehicle lamp system 1 according to the present embodiment, the light distribution pattern is determined by accurately grasping the position of the target by combining the target analysis unit 16 serving as a low-speed but advanced image analysis unit, and the luminance analysis unit 14 serving as a simple but high-speed image analysis unit. Therefore, the accuracy of the light radiation of the vehicle lamp 2, in other words, the accuracy of the formation of the light distribution pattern, can be improved. Therefore, the reduction of glare caused to the driver of the oncoming vehicle 100 or the preceding vehicle, as well as the guarantee of the visibility of the driver of the vehicle can be achieved at a higher level.

[0091] The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above. The embodiment described above is only a specific example of the embodiment of the present invention. The content of the embodiment does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and various design modifications such as changing, adding, deleting constituent elements can be made without departing from the inventive concept defined in the present disclosure. The new embodiments to which design modifications have been made have the effects of the combined embodiments and modifications.In the above-described embodiment, the content whose design can be modified as described above is highlighted by notations such as "the present embodiment" and "in the present embodiment", and design modifications are permitted even for content without these notations. Any com . bination of the above components is effective as an aspect of the present invention. The hatching in the cross-sectional view of the drawing is not intended to limit the material of the hatched target.

[0092] In the embodiment, the imaging control unit 52 controls the imaging unit 12 to perform the first operation with the formation of the reference light distribution pattern. Accordingly, during the second operation following the first operation, the first light distribution pattern for obscuring the reflective object is formed, and during the first operation following the second operation, the second light distribution pattern for radiating light toward the reflective object is formed. Since the first operation is shorter than the second operation, the total time period during which the reflective object is irradiated by the light under ADB control can be shortened, and the brightness of the reflective object visually recognized by the driver can be reduced.

[0093] On the other hand, for example, when the luminance of the light source mounted on the vehicle lamp 2 is low, an increase in the brightness of the reflective object may be desirable. In this case, the imaging control unit 52 controls the imaging unit 12 to perform the second operation while forming the reference light distribution pattern. Accordingly, during the first operation following the second operation, the first light distribution pattern for obscuring the reflective object is formed, and during the second operation following the first operation, the second light distribution pattern for radiating light toward the reflective object is formed.Since the first operation is shorter than the second operation, the total time during which the reflective object is irradiated by light under ADB control can be lengthened, and it is possible to increase the brightness of the reflective object visually recognized by the driver.

[0094] Whether the operation performed by the imaging unit 12 during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern is the first operation or the second operation may be set in advance in an operation program of the imaging control unit 52 according to a specification of the light source in the vehicle on which the vehicle lamp system 1 is mounted, for example. In addition, lengths of the first time period and the second time period may be set in advance according to the specification of the light source.

[0095] Although the first operation and the second operation are performed alternately in the embodiment, the first operation and the second operation may not be performed alternately. Even then, since the first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern are formed by the combination of the first operation and the second operation, the brightness of the reflective object can be changed. Not only the first operation and the second operation, but also a third or more operations having different time periods with these operations can be additionally combined.

[0096] In the embodiment, the imaging unit 12 and the control device 50 are provided in the lamp chamber 8, but the imaging unit 12 and the control device 50 may be provided outside the lamp chamber 8 if desired. It is desirable that the imaging unit 12 and the light source unit 10 have a matched viewing angle. The imaging control unit 52 may be provided in the imaging unit 12. When the high-speed camera 36 has the same resolution as that of the low-speed camera 38, the low-speed camera 38 may be omitted. Accordingly, a size of the vehicle lamp system 1 may be reduced. In this case, the target analysis unit 16 detects the target by using the image data of the high-speed camera 36.

[0097] The light source unit 10 may have a scanning optical system configured to scan the front side of the vehicle with light source light or an LED array in which LEDs corresponding to the individual regions R are arranged, instead of the light deflecting device 26 serving as a DMD. When viewing angles of the high-speed camera 36 and the low-speed camera 38 are wider than a light radiation range of the light source unit 10, an imaging range and the light radiation range may be matched by adjusting or scaling the image information according to the light radiation range of the light source unit 10.

Claims

1. Claims Vehicle lamp system (1) comprising: an imaging unit (12) configured to acquire an image in front of a vehicle to generate image information; an imaging control unit (52) configured to control the imaging unit (12) so as to perform a combination of a first image information generation operation over a first time period and a second image information generation operation over a second time period having a duration different from the first time period; a luminance analysis unit (14) configured to detect a luminance of each of a plurality of individual regions (R) arranged in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit (12); an illuminance setting unit (42) configured to determine an illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region on the basis of a detection result of the luminance analyzing unit (14) so as to determine a light distribution pattern to be formed, the illuminance setting unit (42) being configured to: for an individual region (R) whose luminance is within a predetermined high luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; for an individual region (R) whose luminance is within a predetermined low luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; and determining a first light distribution pattern to be formed during the second time period and a second light distribution pattern to be formed during the first time period; a light source unit (10) configured to independently adjust an illuminance of the light to be radiated to each of the plurality of individual regions (R); a light source control unit (20) configured to control the light source unit (10) so as to form the light distribution pattern; and wherein the imaging control unit (52) is configured to control the imaging unit (12) to alternately repeat the first operation and the second operation.

2. The vehicle lamp system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the luminance analysis unit (14) is configured to binarize the luminance in each of the plurality of individual regions (R), and the illuminance setting unit (42) is configured to set a first illuminance value for an individual region (R) having a relatively high luminance and to set a second illuminance value higher than the first illuminance value for an individual region (R) having a relatively low luminance.

3. The vehicle lamp system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source control unit (20) is configured to control the light source unit (10) so as to form a reference light distribution pattern independent of the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit (42) at a predetermined time, wherein the second time period is longer than the first time period, and wherein the imaging control unit (52) is configured to control the imaging unit (12) to perform the first operation during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern.

4. The vehicle lamp system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source control unit (20) is configured to control the light source unit (10) so as to form a reference light distribution pattern independent of the illuminance value determined by the illuminance setting unit (42) at a predetermined time, wherein the second time period is longer than the first time period, and wherein the imaging control unit (52) is configured to control the imaging unit (12) to perform the second operation during the formation of the reference light distribution pattern.

5. A vehicle lamp system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

6. a target analysis unit (16) configured to detect a predetermined target in front of the vehicle based on the information obtained from the imaging unit (12); and a tracking unit (40) configured to detect a displacement of the predetermined target detected by the target analyzing unit (16) on the basis of the detection result of the luminance analyzing unit (14), wherein the illuminance setting unit (42) is configured to determine a specific illuminance value for a specific individual region (R) determined according to a position of the target on the basis of a detection result of the tracking unit (40). A method of controlling a vehicle lamp comprising the steps of: controlling an imaging unit (12) configured to take an image in front of a vehicle to generate image information, so as to perform a combination of a first operation of generating image information over a first time period and a second operation of generating image information over a second time period having a duration different from the first period; detecting the luminance of each of a plurality of individual regions (R) arranged in front of the vehicle based on the image information obtained from the imaging unit (12); determining an illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region (R) based on the detected luminance so as to determine a light distribution pattern to be formed, the determining comprising: for an individual region (R) whose luminance is in a predetermined high luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; for an individual region (R) whose luminance is in a predetermined low luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; and determining a first light distribution pattern to be formed during the second time period and a second light distribution pattern to be formed during the first time period;

7. controlling a light source unit (10) configured to independently adjust an illuminance of the light to be radiated to each of the plurality of individual regions (R), so as to form the light distribution pattern; and controlling the imaging unit (12) to alternately repeat the first operation and the second operation. A vehicle lamp control device for implementing the method of claim 6, comprising: an imaging control unit (52) configured to control an imaging unit (12) which is configured to take an image in front of a vehicle to generate image information, so as to perform a combination of a first image information generation operation over a first time period and a second image information generation operation over a second time period having a duration different from the first time period; a luminance analysis unit (14) configured to detect a luminance of each of a plurality of individual regions (R) arranged in front of the vehicle on the basis of the image information obtained from the imaging unit (12); an illuminance setting unit (42) configured to determine an illuminance value of the light to be radiated to each individual region (R) on the basis of a detection result of the luminance analyzing unit (14) so as to determine a light distribution pattern to be formed, the illuminance setting unit (42) being configured to: for an individual region (R) whose luminance is within a predetermined high luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) decreases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; for an individual region (R) whose luminance is within a predetermined low luminance range, setting an illuminance value such that the luminance of the individual region (R) increases due to the formation of the light distribution pattern; and determining a first light distribution pattern to be formed during the second time period and a second light distribution pattern to be formed during the first time period; a light source control unit (20) configured to controlling a light source unit (10) which is configured to independently adjust an illuminance of the light to be radiated to each of the plurality of individual regions (R), so as to form the light distribution pattern; and wherein the imaging control unit (52) is configured to control the imaging unit (12) to alternately repeat the first operation and the second operation.

Images